Matt Ryan Cast as ‘Constantine’ for NBC Pilot

NBC has tapped Matt Ryan in the title role for its upcoming comic book series adaptation of DC’s ‘Hellblazer,’ which follows the demonic adventures of anti-hero John Constantine.

Fans should also be placated with the knowledge that Ryan is Welsh, suggesting that this portrayal of Constantine will keep his trademark London accent in tact; the 2005 film of the same name starring Keanu Reeves as the character was decidedly American. The TV series will see Constantine try to save Liv, the daughter of his late friend who has been targeted by demons.

Geek-guru David Goyer of ‘Blade’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy fame is no stranger to comic adaptations and will serve as executive producer. Daniel Cerone (‘Dexter’) and Neill Marshall (‘Game of Thrones’) will write and direct the pilot respectively.

Constantine was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette and John Totleben for a ‘Swamp Thing’ story arc in the mid 1980s. The chain-smoking Brit proved popular enough to warrant his own series in 1988. Designed as a cynical, blond-haired magician/detective/con-man (somewhat based on the appearance of Sting), it will be interesting to see how the NBC version stacks up against the original. Constantine is still a prominent character in the DC universe, appearing in recent titles like ‘Justice League: Dark,’ and the crossover event series ‘Trinity War.’

Ryan previously played a lead on the short-lived crime drama spin-off ‘Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.’